Poster Fred, Tesfa, and the poinsettia tree
Fred and Tesfa in front of a poinsettia tree
APM photo/Suzanne Schaffer
Freds Favorites

Christmas Favorites with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

Christmas Favorites with Tesfa Wondemagegnehu

PT host Fred Child is joined in the studio by his friend and special co-host Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, a fantastic singer, choral director, inspiring educator and manager of Minnesota Public Radio's Choral Initiatives.

Tesfa has chosen a special playlist of his favorite Christmas performances that show the variety and virtuosity of the human voice. He also reveals the secret to singing the perfect version of Silent Night.

Tesfa's Christmas highlights

  • Traditional (arr. Matthew Culloton): Angels We Have Heard on High

  • George Frederic Handel (arr. Take 6): Joy to the World

  • Franz Gruber (arr. Stephen Paulus): Silent Night

  • Franz Biebl: Ave Maria

  • Morten Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium

  • Traditional (arr. Steven Sharp Nelson & Al van der Beek): Carol of the Bells-God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

  • Pietro Antonacci: Sinfonia Pastorale: 2. Pastorale

  • Three Mo' Tenors: Have You Heard About the Baby - Glory to the Newborn King



Find out more about Tesfa:
Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
@tesfawon

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Freds Favorites Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Freds Favorites Episodes

Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott search for comfort and hope
15:15
Creating musical opportunities on Rapa Nui

Creating musical opportunities on Rapa Nui

Classical pianist Mahani Teave saw a need and found a way. She grew up on Rapa Nui (sometimes called Easter Island) in the Pacific Ocean with plenty of music, but little of it classical. She talks with Performance Today host Fred Child about her recent solo album to help support the school she co-founded.

33:04
Watch: Go behind the scenes of the Piano Puzzler
Joanne Polk celebrates an underestimated composer

Joanne Polk celebrates an underestimated composer

Louise Farrenc was not only a remarkable pianist and imaginative composer. She also bulldozed through the limited ideas of women's artistic value and professional potential in the 19th Century. Pianist Joanne Polk brings light to Farrenc's legacy.

28:10
Classical Woman of the Year 2020

Classical Woman of the Year 2020

Performance Today celebrates Women's History Month by honoring the women who have made a lasting impact on classical music and those who love music. The 2020 Classical Woman of the Year is composer and performer Valerie Coleman.

Performance Today's Classical Critters

Performance Today's Classical Critters

Performance Today's Classical Critters is a 60-minute classical music romp about and inspired by animals. Host Fred Child and kids tell stories, spark creativity, share ideas and listen to music together. You'll want to have some paper and crayons or markers on hand and a little bit of space to move!

59:00
New York Out Loud: 5 Original Compositions

New York Out Loud: 5 Original Compositions

Composer Arun Luthra integrated community-sourced sounds gathered from across New York City to create five new pieces. Hear how the sounds of the city shape the music of the city and what both can reveal about the sonic culture of all five boroughs.

8:17
New York Out Loud: Sound Art

New York Out Loud: Sound Art

There is a mysterious sound tucked in to the middle of New York's Times Square. Among the honking horns, shuffling tourists, and screeching bus tires, it resonates below the surface. Watch our film to find out about that, and other audible surprises, New York has to offer.

2:22
New York Out Loud: The City in Poems

New York Out Loud: The City in Poems

This series explores the musical sounds of New York City. In what ways can poetry and the voices of New Yorkers illuminate the sonic culture? Host Fred Child talks with series poet Ariel Francisco about his five new works- one for each borough of New York.

4:35
New York Out Loud: Subway Music

New York Out Loud: Subway Music

As part of our special week-long series, New York Out Loud, PT host Fred Child heads underground to explore the history and importance of Subway music to the city.

VIEW ALL EPISODES